Seneca, who was wealthy himself, argued that money is fine to have as long as it doesn't have you, the danger is in the grip it gets on your mind. The Stoics called wealth an indifferent: useful, but not the thing that makes a life good or bad. You can earn, save, and plan wisely without tying your whole sense of worth and calm to a number. When money becomes the master, no amount feels safe; when it stays a tool, even a modest amount can serve a good life. The goal isn't to despise money. It's to keep it in its proper place, working for you, not owning you.

Inspired by the old idea of virtue as the only good. Written by Ugo Charles.